Phnom Penh: First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, Permanent Vice President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), distributed humanitarian aid to 1,206 underprivileged families in Sangkat Stung Meanchey II, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, on Friday. The assistance, which included food supplies, financial support, and Social Protection Fund (SPF) cards, is part of ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty and improve social welfare in the capital.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the donation ceremony, held in Sangkat Stung Meanchey II, was attended by Phnom Penh Municipal Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng. This marks Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet’s second personal visit to the area to distribute aid to residents. Dr. Pich Chanmony underscored the Royal Government’s steadfast commitment to supporting disadvantaged citizens. She recalled a past recreational trip to Kulen Mountain for some elderly beneficiaries and expressed her intention to request another similar trip from the Prime Minister, reinforcing the Royal Government’s compassion for the poor.
She commended the sustained dedication of former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, CRC President Samdech Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany Hun Sen, and current Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet for their continuous care for the well-being of the Cambodian people. The aid distributed today, she noted, with over 1,000 impoverished families receiving food, cash, and SPF cards for free medical treatment, reflects this ongoing commitment.
Dr. Pich Chanmony also reflected on Cambodia’s recent history, highlighting that the nation had not experienced such prolonged peace for over 500 years until the implementation of Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s ‘Win-Win Policy.’ This peace, she emphasised, has paved the way for development across all sectors. Addressing recent border tensions with Thailand, Dr. Pich Chanmony mentioned that on June 18, over 150,000 Cambodians participated in a nationwide ‘Solidarity March.’ This demonstration aimed to show solidarity with the Royal Government and its peaceful, diplomatic approach to resolving disputes through international law.
She urged all Cambodians, now exceeding 17 million, to stand united and trust the Royal Government in addressing national issues, including border concerns. She stressed that national unity is crucial for safeguarding the country for future generations. Governor Khuong Sreng also spoke at the ceremony, affirming that the distributed assistance, including over 1,000 SPF cards, demonstrates the leadership’s profound concern for the welfare of the people, regardless of political affiliation.
Of the 1,206 families receiving aid, 960 SPF cards were allocated through the Cambodia Children’s Fund, while 286 were directly issued to residents of Sangkat Stung Meanchey II. Each family received essential food items and 100,000 Riel in financial support. This initiative is part of the Royal Government’s broader social protection agenda, aiming to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations throughout the capital.